Police to ensure Pats fans aren't abusing handicapped spots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) A Massachusetts police chief says his officers are cracking down on people who fraudulently use parking spaces for the disabled at Gillette Stadium.

Foxborough Chief Ed O'Leary tells The Sun Chronicle (http://bit.ly/2aX3G2h ) that with the New England Patriots' season approaching, officers will check to make sure vehicles with placards or license plates for the disabled have an occupant with a disability.

Violators caught misusing a placard face a fine of $500 and license suspension. The penalty for parking in a handicapped spot without a placard is $200.

Police began the compliance checks at the behest of stadium officials.

O'Leary says sometimes people use placards belonging to a relative not in attendance.

The stadium has 301 spaces for the disabled, more than the 239 required by the state.